Choosing the perfect accent chair

A recent appointment found me with a client who needed help with color coordination and possibly a new chair or two. This lovely lady now lives alone in her home. She has a sofa, a recliner in which she views her TV and three other chairs in the living room. The three other chairs are also recliners. Arranging a room with recliners takes another level of attention, making sure there is enough space for even an occasional sitter to recline. Naturally, wall recliners are exempt from this concern.

My client was removing two of the recliners from the room, and after discussing how many people would be in the space during special occasions, we determined that one stationary chair might be the best option for her. So where do we go from here?

Accent chairs from a ready-made line, that is, "what you see is what you get," could work for her. I know her style and color pallet, so now I just need to find a chair that will fit that bill. This generally is the lower cost way of adding a chair. For the most part, they are made offshore and mass produced. As with everything, this product line has high quality and low quality offerings. I only use suppliers that have met our criteria of quality products and great service.

The other option is to go with a custom chair that will be made here in the U.S. to the specifications that will fit her style, color, etc. An example of a custom chair is featured in the photo. This chair is available with literally thousands of fabrics for the upholstery. The style also is offered as tufted - where the seat back, including arms, are filled with tufted buttons. The finish on the wood legs come in 32 finishes, from snow white to ebony with most wood shades in between, including tortoise which shows burling in the wood.

Some folks prefer a tufted back on a chair.(Photo: Jessica Charles for Decorating Den Interiors)

In a rare case where all the fabric options and leg options just won’t work for a particular client who loves this style of chair, we still have options. Upholstery-rated fabric from any supplier can be sent to them and a custom stain or paint can be matched for the legs. If the style of this chair is perfect for a client but the client wants a swivel function, it can also be manufactured with a swivel/rocker option.

Other people want their accent chair to swivel and rock.(Photo: Jessica Charles for Decorating Den Interiors)

A custom chair may be an additional option for my client to consider. We can compare and see which she would prefer. The generally lower price, ready-made, "what you see is what you get"; or, for more of an investment, a chair made in the U.S. that will have the desired function and great appearance in her living room.

If a new accent chair is in your future, you have options. Look at your budget and decide which way you want to go. Find the best option you can in a ready-made chair or pick and choose your style, fabric, function, finishes, etc., and get the chair that is perfect for your home.